Miami, Florida is a lively city famous for its stunning beaches, busy streets, and warm weather. These conditions make it perfect for cycling year round. However, these characteristics can also make the roads more dangerous for cyclists. Heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and poor bike paths raise accident risks.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash, you need an advocate who understands your challenges. The Miami bicycle accident lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys have decades of experience helping injury victims recover the compensation they need and deserve. Contact a Miami bicycle accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation at (305) 916-6455.
How Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Bicycle Accident in Miami, FL
A bicycle accident can result in severe physical and financial consequences. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional pain can overwhelm even the strongest people. Having a skilled legal advocate by your side can make all the difference in navigating these challenges.
Since opening our practice, we’ve secured over $100 million on behalf of our clients. We bring the same dedication, attention to detail, and determination to every case, whether large or small. Our Miami personal injury lawyers have been recognized by the Super Lawyers, the Best Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for their excellence in advocating for clients.
Our Miami bicycle accident attorneys at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys:
- Conduct a thorough investigation: We gather all available evidence to determine fault. This may include looking at police reports, checking scene photos, and talking to witnesses.
- Retain expert witnesses: We team up with accident reconstruction specialists, medical pros, and economic experts to strengthen your case when necessary.
- Talk to insurance companies: Our legal team manages all talks with adjusters. This lets you focus on getting better.
- Evaluate all damages: We’ll tally medical costs, lost income, and pain to ensure nothing is missed.
- Get ready for trial if needed: Most cases settle, but we’re always prepared to make a strong case in court if an insurer doesn’t give a fair settlement.
We know you might feel vulnerable after a bike accident. This is especially true if you are undergoing treatment or rehab. Our firm aims to ease your burden, protect your rights, and maximize your recovery.
What Is My Miami Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Every accident case is unique, so there’s no fixed formula for determining its value.
However, several factors influence what your bicycle accident case might be worth:
- Severity of injuries: Serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord damage, can significantly increase a claim’s value.
- Medical costs: This covers immediate expenses like hospital visits, surgeries, and medications. It also includes future costs such as ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or in-home care.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: If you can’t return to work or your injuries affect your earning ability, you might be entitled to compensation for lost income.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and a lower quality of life can cause significant non-economic damages.
- Property damage: Your claim can include costs to fix or replace your bicycle and any riding gear, like your helmet or cycling shoes.
Insurance companies often care more about profit than fairness. So, having an attorney who can value your claim correctly is essential.
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys has a legal team with decades of experience. We negotiate settlements and take cases to trial. So you get the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we understand the financial strain a bicycle accident can impose. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis.
Under this arrangement:
- No upfront fees: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Mutual interest: Our fees are a percentage of your total recovery, so our success is directly tied to yours.
- No financial risk: If we don’t secure a settlement or court award on your behalf, you owe us nothing.
This fee structure ensures that high-quality legal representation is accessible to every bicycle accident victim, regardless of financial situation.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in Florida?
Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. Each party’s fault in an accident is evaluated. If the plaintiff is partly responsible, the damages awarded may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for a crash, your financial recovery would be reduced by that same 20%. However, if you are 51% or more at fault, then you are unlikely to recover.
Unlike some states with harsher rules, Florida’s approach is more forgiving to accident victims. You can still seek compensation for your injuries, even if you share some blame for your bicycle accident.
Legal issues need careful handling, especially when insurance adjusters try to blame you. Our attorneys know Florida’s negligence laws well. They gather and present evidence to reduce your fault.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle crashes can cause serious injuries. This happens because cyclists are not as protected as people in cars.
Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures
- Spinal cord damage: Nerve damage, partial or complete paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures: Cycling accidents often lead to fractures in the arm, wrist, and collarbone.
- Soft tissue injuries: Torn ligaments, muscle strains, and whiplash
- Road rash and lacerations: Severe abrasions can lead to permanent scarring or infections
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and other life-threatening complications
Our lawyers work with medical experts to document every injury. They also consider long-term or permanent disabilities. This approach ensures that you are fairly compensated for both present and future healthcare costs.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma
After a severe bicycle accident, victims may face more than physical injuries. They may also struggle with depression, anxiety, or PTSD. These emotional and mental challenges are every bit as real as broken bones.
Though hard to define, they significantly affect your quality of life and should be included in any personal injury claim. We ensure that insurance companies and juries understand the actual extent of these psychological burdens.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?
Bicycle accident victims in Miami can seek different types of compensation, such as:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most common type. They include medical expenses like hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription medications.
Compensation can also include lost wages and diminished future earning capacity. This means that you can be compensated for income lost during your recovery period, as well as any long-term reduction in your ability to earn a living. Economic damages also typically cover the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and related gear.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, physical discomfort, emotional anguish, and diminished quality of life. These damages also account for anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident.
A court may also award damages for the loss of enjoyment of life, such as an inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or recreational activities.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Miami, FL?
Miami’s busy streets, many tourists, and constant traffic can lead to bike accidents.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Using cell phones, entertainment systems, and other distractions can cause drivers to miss essential details around them.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Going too fast slows how quickly a driver can react. This often leads to worse crashes.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reflexes, and coordination.
- Failure to yield: Many drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists in crosswalks or at intersections.
- Unsafe lane changes: Crowded roads often make drivers want to change lanes quickly. They forget to check for cyclists.
Other accidents include dooring incidents. This is when someone opens a car door into a cyclist’s path.
Environmental and Infrastructure Factors
Poorly designed roads, limited bike lanes, and improper signage can also contribute to accidents. While city officials have taken steps to make Miami more bike-friendly, many streets remain hazardous.
If defective infrastructure contributes to your accident, you may have a claim against a government entity. Our attorneys investigate every angle of your case to identify all potential sources of liability.
How Long Do I File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Florida?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the bicycle accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline likely means forfeiting your right to seek compensation.
While two years is the standard, certain exceptions can extend or shorten the filing period:
- Claims against government entities: You must follow extra steps; deadlines are usually shorter.
- Discovery rule: If injuries aren’t apparent immediately, the time limit may begin when the injury is found or should have been found.
- Minors: Individuals under 18 may have more time to file, but specific legal complexities apply.
Because these rules can be complex, consulting with an attorney soon after your accident is vital. We ensure all legal deadlines are met so your claim remains valid.
Contact Our Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Recovering from a bicycle accident is never easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys help you understand the legal system. We protect your rights and aim to maximize your financial recovery. We have decades of experience in every case.
Miami cyclists face unique challenges like crowded roads and careless drivers. Let us handle the insurance companies and legal filings while you focus on healing. Contact our Miami office today for a free consultation with a Miami bicycle accident attorney and learn how we can help you move forward.
